Asian students diminish

Due to the financial crisis that is ravaging Asian economies, many U.S. colleges and universities are experiencing a decline in the number of students from those struggling countries.

Campus officials from U.S. schools said they expect a sharp decline of students from Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea and Thailand this semester.

But University International Center Director Zahir Ahmed said he has not yet noticed a drop in Asian students.

"We attract some of the wealthier students," Ahmed said, adding that this year there are more undergraduate international students.

But Ahmed said there are a number of undergraduates enrolled who are experiencing financial problems.

"U of M has been lobbying with immigration services to relax rules for international students," he said.

Ahmed said international students are required to take full-time classes. But a recent policy will allow students experiencing financial trouble to take less credits. He added that the International Center also tries to help students with employment and loans to help pay for tuition.

Boston University is one of three institutions that in recent years has enrolled the highest amount of foreign students, said Colin Riley of Boston University, a public relations spokesperson. Riley said that although the figures will not be available until October, overall international student numbers are similar to last year's.

"We haven't really missed a lot," Riley said, adding that although there is a negligible decrease in the number of students enrolled from Asian countries.

"We make it up in other parts in the world," Riley said.

A year ago, Asian countries had their currencies affected, Riley said and the university was concerned that many foreign students would not be returning this semester.

"Students still value education and are willing to make the extra sacrifice to continue their education," Riley said.

Ellen Haywood, University of Iowa's assistant to the registrar, said there has been a decrease in the number of Asian students this year.

Haywood reported that 28 students attended Iowa from Indonesia last year, while this year 21 students are enrolled in the incoming class.

Sixty-five students enrolled last year from Malaysia, while this year just 45 students are enrolled.

From South Korea, 200 attended Iowa last year, while just 194 students are currently enrolled.

Haywood said the decrease in numbers may not appear significant since Iowa is the smallest Big Ten university.

Haywood said she was aware of a number of international students who were experiencing troubles because of the recent currency devaluation.

"I do know that there were students who definitely had financial problems,"

09-25-98